Vegas Weekender: It’s Turkey Time in Las Vegas

It’s Thanksgiving weekend and for all of you who would rather come to Vegas than do the traditional family gathering, then you’re in luck. With all of the different dining options, shows and other events happening this weekend, you’ll be glad you don’t have to spend all your time checking the turkey in the oven and entertaining guests.

Dining

If you still want to experience the traditional dinner in this not-sotraditional town, nothing is better than relaxing and not having to worry about cooking and cleaning.

If you’ve ever seen the massive portions that Hash House A Go Go has to offer (the restaurant was even featured on “Man Vs. Food”), then you can only imagine the size of its Thanksgiving specials. With deals ranging from $5.95 to $22.95, you’ll want to try them all. The menu includes pumpkin bisque with sea salt toasted almonds; roasted turkey breast with rosemary gravy, fresh mash potatoes, stuffing and baby green beans; linguine pasta in pumpkin cream with shrimp, asparagus and roasted pumpkin seeds; fresh apple cobbler and pumpkin bread pudding. The restaurant will be open Thanksgiving Day at both Imperial Palace and M Resort from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

For $39, you can enjoy a festive dinner at Postrio inside the Venetian. The first course consists of a puree of pumpkin soup with sage and cardamom créme fraiche. The main course includes a roasted free-range turkey breast, herb stuffing, baby green beans, sweet potato puree and cranberry compote. End the dinner on a sweet note with a triple silken pumpkin pie, cranberries and spiced créme fraiche.

This Thanksgiving, Cabo Wabo Cantina gives thanks to football with tasty Mexican fare and ice cold beer. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. as the New England Patriots take on the Detroit Lions. In addition to 12 big screen TVs, you can also catch the game on two jumbo projectors while enjoying the restaurant’s special Thanksgiving Day Football Brunch.

Shows

Catch "The Rat Pack is Back" inside the Plaza.

For a perfect way to kick off your holiday season, watch the ultimate tribute show to Vegas, “The Rat Pack
is Back” at the Plaza Showroom. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly, with special dinner seating starting at 5:30 p.m. nightly.

If you’re on a tribute-watching streak, then make sure to check out Prince tribute “Purple Reign – The Ultimate Tribute Show” playing at the Night Owl Showroom inside Hooters. Show times are Thursday – Sunday at 10 p.m.

If you were a fan of the GAP Band, (popular hit includes “You Dropped the Bomb on Me”) singer Charlie Wilson brings his timeless funky, R&B hits Nov. 26 – 27 to the Las Vegas Hilton. The show begins at 9 p.m.

See Bill Cosby live at TI.

See the legendary actor and comedian Bill Cosby perform at TI this Friday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.

Roger Waters, co-founder and main songwriter of Pink Floyd, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the original release of “The Wall” with a show at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday, Nov. 26. This show features a full band playing all the hits from the album. Showtime is at 8 p.m.

See King of Ranchera music sensation Vicente Fernandez perform at Mandalay Bay Events Center on Friday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m.

“Hanging with Mr. Cooper” actor/ comedian Mark Curry will have you laughing Nov. 26 – 28 inside the Shimmer Caberet at the Las Vegas Hilton. Show begins at 9 p.m.

And who can refuse a free show? On Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27 the lounge inside the Palms presents the Australian comedy trio, Axis of Awesome. Show begins at 10 p.m. and the show is free for guests 21 years and older.

Rock out to Kottonmouth Kings at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues on Friday, Nov. 26.

Nightlife

At Rockhouse at Imperial Palace, enjoy some old-fashioned football and fun this Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26, as beer will be flowing and games will be playing. Starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, enjoy two-for-one beers and wells, $4 drafts and $5 shots of Wild Turkey. Cheer on your favorite team on 28 high-definition TV screens throughout the bar. In addition, ladies drink free from 10:30 p.m. – midnight. On Black Friday, catch all the college games all day long and enjoy the same drink specials.

See up-and-coming hip hop artist J. Cole do a live performance at Haze nightclub inside Aria on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Recover from Black Friday with a Blackout Saturday bash at McFadden’s restaurant and saloon on Nov. 27. Located inside the Rio, enjoy open bar from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. for only $10. Tardy for the party? McFadden’s will host another open bar from 10 p.m. – midnight ($10 for ladies, $20 for gents).

Attractions

The 17th annual holiday lights display at Ethel M is a favorite for all ages.

Through Saturday, Jan. 1, the Ethel M Chocolate Wonderland comes alive with its remarkable 17th annual cactus light display. This year, the garden offers a different kind of take: you’ll be able to experience the
garden in 3-D and see the lights really come to life. Glasses are available for purchase inside the Ethel M store. The illuminated cactus garden display is available from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. To add to the festivity, local
school choirs and Santa visits are available during the evening on weekends.

Stop by the Four Seasons hotel lobby and see the elaborate Gingerbread Village now through Dec. 25. Admission is free and open to the public. Each house is available for sale, with proceeds benefitting the Nevada Cancer Institute.